A Catholic priest, Father Joshua Mary Ugbedeojo Abuh, has warned Catholics against participating in the Hallelujah Challenge during Lent, describing it as an insult to their faith and a testament of faithlessness.
The Hallelujah Challenge is a popular midnight online praise session led by Nigerian gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey, followed by thousands across Nigeria and other countries.
In a Facebook post on his Magnificat Series page, Father Joshua said participating in the challenge during Lent contradicts core Catholic traditions.
“As a Catholic following the ‘Hallelujah Challenge’ during Lent is a big caricature of your baptism, Confirmation, all the Holy communion, masses and Rosaries you have ever done. It is an insult to your faith and a testament of your faithlessness,” he wrote.
The priest explained that Catholics traditionally suspend the singing of “Hallelujah,” the Gloria, and clapping during the 40-day Lenten season—a period of fasting, prayer, and penance beginning on Ash Wednesday—to reflect solemnity.
“Is the ‘Hallelujah Challenge’ bad…? Of course not!!! However, if you are Catholic, you shouldn’t be caught with ashes in the morning and at night time Halleluia is on your lips,” he stated.
Father Joshua emphasized that Catholics should fully commit to their faith practices. “Catholics fast from HALLELUIA during Lent. If you want be a Catholic be a full-time Catholic,” he added, quoting Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi.
While not deeming the challenge inherently wrong, the priest viewed Catholic involvement as a double standard, urging full adherence to Catholic liturgical observances during Lent.
The priest’s admonition sparked reactions on social media, with some users supporting his position while others questioned his stance on the ecumenical worship movement.
